Cadets go back to school

Mexborough Army Cadets prepare for a fancy dress sports day to raise funds for Windhill Primary School following an arson attack.

Published:12:00Sunday 15 July 2012

BIG-HEARTED cadets from Mexborough held a special fundraising event for a local school which was damaged in an alleged arson attack.

Members of the Mexborough Army Cadet Force (ACF) staged a sports night at their base in fancy dress to raise more than £800 for Windhill Primary School which was damaged in a blaze in April.

The fire spread to the children’s play area, a classroom and destroyed dozens of toys.

The recent fundraiser involved more than 30 cadets and adult instructors from the detachment and was boosted by a £400 donation from Aspen Lodge in Mexborough.

With the night themed around the letter ‘P’ the event saw the likes of peas and pumpkins, through to pilots and police, doing press ups, sit ups, squats and sprints.

The detachment’s commander, Staff Sergeant Instructor Mark Davies, said: “When we heard about the arson attack on the school and the amount of damage caused and toys destroyed we just decided we had to help out in some way, and raising money for the school to help repair damage and replace the toys seemed the best thing to do.

“It was quite novel doing sports activities when you’re dressed like a pumpkin.

“But everyone had a very enjoyable time and we were delighted to have raised as much as we did.”

Headteacher Jenette Guy said: “The cadets were upset by what happened and said they wanted to do soemthing to help us.

“The money will be used to pay for such things as toys and classroom equipment that was damaged in the fire.

“On behalf of the school I want to say a big thank you to the cadets. They are a fantastic group of young adults, some of which used to attend the school.”

James Wrzos, 21, of Hirstgate, Mexborough, was charged with arson in connection with the incident.

He is due to appear at Doncaster Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on July 20.